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need ball joint separation help

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Old Jun 16, 2007 | 12:07 PM
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Default need ball joint separation help

Finally decided to try and replace the right rear wheel hub assembly myself. So far so good, just cant get the lower balljoint separated from the upright. Any hints or tricks? I have carefully used the pickle fork but it hasnt worked for me.
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Old Jun 16, 2007 | 01:08 PM
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Pickle fork is good for chipping off pieces of cast aluminum from the control arms.

I recommend a pitman arm separator, something like this: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/KD-2289.html

Basically you can just keep tightening that bolt until it pushes the balljoint out, or you can follow the directions listed on the page (they both work I suppose).

You can get these at autozone and such, in different sizes. They are cheap, pick up a few and return the ones that don't fit.

Dope
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Old Jun 16, 2007 | 02:12 PM
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On my way! I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for the help!
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Old Jun 16, 2007 | 04:33 PM
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The gents at autozone sent me home with a ball joint press kit. Think this will work?
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Old Jun 16, 2007 | 08:23 PM
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Hit it with a hammer. Get two hammars, put one on the against the knuckle where the stud goes through and smack it with the other hammer. It should break it loose.
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Old Jun 16, 2007 | 08:48 PM
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roger... hammering.
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Old Jun 16, 2007 | 09:06 PM
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if it doesnt , have someone pry up on the knuckle whille you smack it.
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Old Jun 17, 2007 | 06:50 AM
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Some PB Blaster and let it soak!
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Old Jun 17, 2007 | 11:28 AM
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You can get these at autozone and such, in different sizes. They are cheap, pick up a few and return the ones that don't fit.


HEY MAN NICE ONE AUTOZONE IS ABOUT 4,800 MILES AWAY
BUT GO TO FLORIDA ONCE A YEAR DO I LIKE SHOPPING OR WHAT NITRO UK
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Old Jun 17, 2007 | 01:56 PM
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Just as I was about to call it quits and put it all back together, one last smack dropped the ball joint. I was shocked. It seemed so easy with that one blow, yet I'd been beating on my car all day. I stood there a few minutes and just looked at it. New hub assembly is in... should have her buttoned up in no time! Thanks guys!
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Old Jun 17, 2007 | 06:21 PM
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congrats!!!
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Old Jun 18, 2007 | 06:56 AM
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Originally Posted by afone
I stood there a few minutes and just looked at it!
Sometimes ya just need to walk away and have a beer.....and come back to it with a new attitude!
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Old Jun 18, 2007 | 06:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Janster
Sometimes ya just need to walk away and have a beer.....and come back to it with a new attitude!
And a bigger hammer!
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